Vatican City
The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the
world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael
Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

Austria
Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital
is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and
incredible history & food. Go Now!

Latvia
Latvia is small, but has a diverse history, foods, and architecture (shown), which
includes aspects from both Eastern and Western Europe. Begin Your
Journey!

Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Azerbaijan

Geography

Suvar Lake

Azerbaijan is located on the narrow stretch of land that
sits between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, much of which is consumed by the
Caucus Mountain range. Azerbaijan is arguably in either Asia
or Europe; according to many, Azerbaijan's northern border
is the border between the two continents, placing Azerbaijan wholly in Asia. The
country borders Georgia (northwest), Armenia
(southwest), Iran (south), Russia (north),
and the Caspian Sea (east). Azerbaijan also controls the region of Naxcivan, which
sits between Iran (southwest) and Armenia (northeast).

Geographically, Azerbaijan is fairly diverse as the country
has mountains, river valleys, lowlands, and even desert. The region of Naxcivan
and Azerbaijan's west and north are mountainous. From the mountains a couple
small rivers run southeast into the Caspian Sea, which sits below sea level. Much
of the Caspian Sea's coast and Azerbaijan's south, however are arid and
only receive rain in limited amounts and during limited seasons. Despite this arid
landscape, this is where most of the population lives as the Caspian Sea provides
both food and water.

Summers tend to be very hot in Azerbaijan, especially
along the coast and in Baku, which can be humid between June and August (highs of
about 85˚ F (30˚ C). From December to about March the weather can get cold and most
of the country experiences a daily average of about 40˚ F (5˚ C), but numerous parts
of the country reach below 32˚ F (0˚ C) at night.

Wildlife

Mud volcanoes

The Azerbaijani mountains are home to deer, boar, and bear among other mammals,
while the plains along the Caspian Sea and inward are home to jackals, hyenas, and
many small rodents. Most of the sea life associated with Azerbaijan
is from the Caspian Sea, which has a fair amount of sturgeon.

Azerbaijan is a migratory destination for many birds
as they tend to head to the Caspian Sea. These species include flamingos, pelicans,
egrets, and more. In the drier lowlands the country is home to numerous reptiles.